Jeremy Spurling

Jeremy Spurling of Columbia, Missouri, passed away at his home on May 7, 2026. He was 49 years of age.

He was born June 12, 1976 in Rolla, Missouri, the son of Kenneth and Carmen Trevino Spurling.

On June 5th 1999, Jeremy was united in marriage to Marlene Machens in Portage, Missouri. She survives at the family home in Columbia, Missouri.

Jeremy grew up on his family’s farm near Belle, Mo. Growing up he worked alongside his dad and brother making hay, raising crops, cattle and sheep. During the winter months, he found himself fixing fences, repairing equipment, cutting wood and picking up rocks. He learned skills and a work ethic that allowed him to do or fix almost anything. When he had time off, he enjoyed riding his horse Honey, fishing and target practicing. At an early age his grandpa nicknamed him Geronimo, fitting given the fact that he was far more fearless and courageous of the two boys.

Jeremy worked hard in high school and graduated valedictorian of his class. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri Columbia. His career path led him through various aspects of the correctional system and ultimately to working with and advocating for troubled youth and adults. He found purpose in this work and doubtless helped countless lives.

While at college, Jeremy met Marlene and the couple were married. From this union came Eli and Leah, undoubtedly his two greatest joys and accomplishments. Outside of work, his time was spent with his family. He enjoyed riding motorcycles and dirt bikes. Many weekends were spent target practicing, hunting and fishing with his kid, and working on his property. His greatest pride remained his two kids and his new grandson, Elmer. Survivors include his son, Eli Spurling of Winfield, Missouri and his daughter, Leah Koenig and husband, Sam of Fayette, Missouri; his mother, Carmen Spurling of Springfield, Missouri; his step-mother, Kathy Spurling of Vichy, Missouri; his brother: Jason Spurling (Melissa) of West Plains, Missouri; his sisters: Jeanne Trimmer (J.W.) of Mound City, Missouri; Lisa Spurling of Ozark, Missouri; Angie Spurling Shanks (Jarett) of Belle, Missouri and Emily Buckley (Richard) of Billings, Missouri.

Jeremy always had a kind soul, humble spirit and an enviable self-deprecating humor. He had a propensity for the most unusual and entertaining things to happen to him. From these events, along with a gift for story telling that he inherited from his grandfather, and his self-deprecating humor, he could weave the most entertaining stories that always made him the focal point for family get togethers. His departure was too early, the loss will be enormous, he will be missed.

Jeremy Spurling will lie in state Friday, May 15, 2026 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri, and Saturday, 9:00 – 10:30 a.m., May 16th, 2026, at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri. Funeral procession will proceed to the Cemetery at 10:30 a.m. Saturday.

Graveside funeral will be conducted 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 16, 2026 at the High Gate Baptist Church Cemetery in St. James, Missouri with Gary Lane officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Jeremy's grandson, Elmer Koenig for an education fund; please make checks to Elmer Koenig. Memorial envelopes will be available at the Jones Funeral Home or may be mailed to the Jones Funeral Home 200 South Meramec St. James, Missouri 65559.

Online condolences may be entered at www.jonesfunerals.com

All arrangements are under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri.